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Small-group departure · Italy

The Best of Southern Italy – 10 Days

A 10-day Southern Italy tour from Rome to Bari with Naples, Capri, Pompeii, Matera, Alberobello and the Amalfi Coast.

The route4 cities, joined by rail.
Loading map…
10 days, 9 nightsDuration
4 citiesWhere you sleep
Nine nights in 4-star city-centre hotels with breakfast in Rome, Naples, Matera and Bari.Meals

Why this journey

Travel from Rome to Bari on a 10-day Southern Italy itinerary that brings together historic cities, island scenery, coastal cruising, and some of the country’s most recognisable UNESCO sites. The trip begins in Rome, where you settle into a central hotel before taking time to explore the city at your own pace and with guided walking visits through the historic centre.

The journey continues with a skip-the-line visit to the Colosseum and Imperial Forums, then moves by train to Naples for a first look at the city’s grand squares, royal architecture, and lively neighbourhoods. From there, the route reaches the Amalfi Coast, with a shared boat excursion to Amalfi and Positano and free time to enjoy the coastline, local flavours, and village streets from the water and on foot.

Capri adds another highlight, with ferry crossings included and time to discover the island’s famous viewpoints, gardens, and optional Blue Grotto visit. The itinerary then takes you to Pompeii for a guided archaeological experience before continuing to Matera, where the ancient sassi, cave homes, and rock churches show a completely different side of southern Italy.

In Puglia, the trip moves through Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Bari, combining a guided look at the trulli with coastal scenery and the character of Bari Vecchia. With comfortable city-centre hotels, breakfast each day, and a mix of guided sightseeing and independent time, this Southern Italy tour is designed for travellers searching for Rome to Bari holidays, Amalfi Coast tours, Capri and Pompeii packages, and classic Italy cultural itineraries.

Trip highlights

  • 01Spend three nights in central Rome with time for both independent exploring and guided sightseeing.
  • 02Visit the Colosseum and Imperial Forums with skip-the-line access on a shared guided tour.
  • 03Travel by train from Rome to Naples and continue with private transfers on the southern route.
  • 04Enjoy a shared boat excursion along the Amalfi Coast to Amalfi and Positano.
  • 05Take the ferry to Capri and have free time for the island’s viewpoints and optional Blue Grotto visit.
  • 06Discover Pompeii with entrance included and a guided archaeological visit.
  • 07Experience Matera’s Sassi, including a cave-house and the Underground Church of the Holy Spirit.
  • 08See Alberobello’s trulli on a guided visit before reaching the coastal atmosphere of Polignano a Mare and Bari Vecchia.

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip10 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • Nine nights in 4-star city-centre hotels with breakfast in Rome, Naples, Matera and Bari.
Transfers2
  • Arrival transfer from Rome airport to the hotel in the city centre.
  • Private overland transfers on the southern Italy route.
Entrances1
  • Included admission to Pompeii Archaeological Site.
Guides3
  • Shared guided sightseeing in Rome with priority entry.
  • Private guiding services in key cities and archaeological areas.
  • Guided walking tour of Alberobello’s trulli district.
Train2
  • Rail journey from Rome to Naples with assistance at departure and arrival stations.
  • Return ferry tickets for Capri.
Experiences1
  • Shared coastal boat excursion with time in Amalfi and Positano.
Plan and pay separately5 items not covered by this fare
Flights1
  • Long-haul or international airfare is not included.
Taxes1
  • Local city taxes payable directly where applicable.
Optional Tours1
  • Optional visit at additional cost.
Meals1
  • Optional dinner experience in Naples.
Tips1
  • Gratuities and personal spending are excluded.

Your hotels

Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.

Meeting & drop-off
You're met atRome city centre hotel
You're dropped atBari

You leave from a different place than you arrive — book an open-jaw flight, not a return.

Arrival transfer is from Rome airport to the hotel. The tour ends after breakfast and check-out in Bari, with a transfer to Bari airport included in the final day services.

19 go inside0 walk through5 exterior only
Rome5 places
RomeEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
ColosseumEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Imperial ForumsEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Trevi FountainSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
PantheonSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Naples6 places
NaplesEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Piazza PlebiscitoEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Quartieri SpagnoliEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
SorrentoEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Royal Palace NaplesSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Castel NuovoSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Sorrento2 places
AmalfiEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
PositanoEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Capri2 places
CapriEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Blue GrottoSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Pompeii1 places
Pompeii Archaeological SiteEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Matera3 places
MateraEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Sassi of MateraEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Underground Church of the Holy SpiritEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Alberobello5 places
AlberobelloEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Trullo houseEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Polignano a MareEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
BariEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Bari VecchiaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside

Italy

IdealGoodFairAvoid
OctGood

Spring and early autumn are ideal to avoid the July–August crowds. Amalfi Coast is best May–Jun.

Rome
Average High
22°C
Rainfall
111mm
Venice
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
70mm
Florence
Average High
20°C
Rainfall
89mm
Amalfi
Average High
23°C
Rainfall
130mm
Essential

Check passport and entry requirements early

  • Guests are responsible for valid passports and any visas required for Italy.
  • Make sure travel documents match the booking name exactly.
  • Carry any supporting documents needed for border or airline checks.
Essential

Travel insurance is mandatory

  • Insurance must be arranged before departure.
  • Coverage should include medical expenses, cancellations and personal belongings.
  • Please keep proof of insurance available during travel.

Local costs are payable separately

  • City taxes are not included unless stated otherwise.
  • Bring a payment card and some cash for optional meals, tips and personal spending.
  • Optional activities and extras must be settled directly where offered.

Expect a mix of train, ferry, boat and road transfers

  • The itinerary uses a combination of transfer types to connect the route efficiently.
  • Please be ready on time for scheduled departures and meet the local assistance team where arranged.
  • Weather or operational conditions may affect coastal or ferry services.

Hotels are in central city locations

  • The package uses 4-star hotels in central areas where available.
  • Standard check-in and check-out times apply and may vary by property.
  • Room preferences and special requests are subject to hotel confirmation.

Breakfast is included daily

  • Daily breakfast is included in the package.
  • Any optional meals are not included unless specifically stated.
  • Please advise dietary requirements in advance, but fulfilment cannot be guaranteed.

Some sightseeing remains optional

  • Any sightseeing beyond the visits listed in the day-by-day itinerary is optional and not included.
  • Blue Grotto visits and some Capri experiences depend on local conditions and are not included.
  • Optional dinners can be added at extra cost where offered.

Pack for walking days and coastal conditions

  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for city tours, ruins and hill-town streets.
  • Bring light layers, sun protection and a compact waterproof layer for boat days.
  • A day bag is useful for ferry crossings and guided excursions.

Itinerary timings may change

  • The operator may adjust sequencing or replace services with similar alternatives if needed.
  • Unused services are non-refundable.
  • Please follow local laws, customs and guidance from the tour team throughout the trip.

Common questions

Does this Southern Italy tour include entrance tickets for Pompeii?

Yes, entrance to the Pompeii archaeological site is included with the guided visit.

Is Capri included on this itinerary?

Yes, the tour includes ferry tickets to Capri and free time on the island. The Blue Grotto is optional and not included.

What kind of hotels are used on this trip?

The package uses 4-star hotels in central locations, with breakfast included throughout the stay.

Are the Colosseum and Imperial Forums visited with a guide?

Yes, the Rome sightseeing includes a shared guided visit with skip-the-line access to the Colosseum and Imperial Forums.

Is this trip suitable for travellers who want both cities and coast?

Yes. The itinerary combines Rome and Naples with the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, Matera and Puglia, so it suits travellers looking for a balanced Italy route.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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